WVU Statler College creates new Career and Professional Development Center, appoints Stewart as director

Kelly Stewart, director of the Career and Professional Development Center discussing fall strategies with Jason Walker, employer relations specialist. (WVU Photo/Sophie Stanley)

The launch of the new Career and Professional Development Center at Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University will open the door to greater professional, personal, and educational opportunities for Statler students and alumni.

Story by Laney Eichelberger, Storyteller
Photos by Sophie Stanley, Social Media Content Creator

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

With Kelly Stewart as director and Jason Walker as employer relations specialist, the center is poised to transform the relationship between Statler students and industry leaders.

Stewart, former program coordinator and teaching instructor of the Fundamentals of Engineering Program, brings more than 19 years of experience as a career specialist, educator, and mentor across a variety of educational and professional settings. Since joining the Statler College in 2023, she has left a significant impact on student success, earning the Outstanding Staff of the Year Award for 2024 –25. Stepping into her role as director of the CPDC, Stewart brings a continued passion for helping students and alumni achieve their ambitions.

“I’m excited to build and streamline meaningful partnerships with students, alumni, faculty, and employers to strengthen the reach and impact of the CPDC,” said Stewart. “I understand the importance of meeting students where they are — academically, professionally, and personally, and I’m committed to expanding services that are inclusive, relevant, and impactful.”

Housed under the Statler College Student, Faculty and Staff Engagement office with Associate Dean Cerasela Zoica Dinu, the CPDC will support engineering, computing and technology students and alumni in attaining career success through services such as one-on-one coaching, classroom presentations, industry events, mock interviews, resume and job search guidance, federal job application assistance and more. Both virtual and in-person options are available.

“Our vision is to lead the way in career and professional development for Statler College students and alumni to become confident, accomplished professionals prepared to excel in a dynamic global job market,” said Stewart. “Through innovative resources, personalized support, and strategic partnerships, we create pathways to career readiness, lifelong success, and professional fulfillment.”

Stewart recommends students take advantage of the CPDC’s services as early as possible. She suggests meeting with a career development specialist once or twice a year until graduation, establishing vital foundations for internship, career and networking opportunities, rather than waiting until application deadlines are fast approaching.

“It’s a common misconception that career services are only useful when you're actively applying for internships, jobs or until the spring semester of the senior year. In reality, the earlier students engage in developing career readiness skills, the better positioned they’ll be for long-term success,” Stewart explained. “Early engagement allows students to explore their interests, build strong resumes, develop professional skills, and begin networking — all of which are crucial for standing out in competitive opportunities down the road and being thriving engineers. Be the student that can say ‘I attended 8 out of 8 STEM Career Fairs.’”

In his role as employer relations specialist, Walker builds upon a professional background with WorkForce West Virginia, the WVU Reed School of Media and Communications and Salem University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration at WVU, furthering his passion for student development and graduate success.

“With his strategic mindset and track record of building impactful partnerships, Walker’s work will include coordinating recruitment events, building and strengthening partnerships with industry leaders, aligning employer needs with student capabilities and fostering a stronger bridge between academia and the workforce,” Stewart explained.

Beyond the CPDC, WVU offers several career development courses, including ORIN 151, 152, and 252. Students can also take advantage of resources like the Statler College Career Closet and professional development events like the STEM Career and Internship Fair scheduled for September 10 and 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the WVU Student Recreation Center.

Students can research employers, develop a strategic plan, register for career fairs, and schedule individual appointments with the CPDC through Handshake. For more information and resources, visit the newly launched WVU Career Services website at careerservices.wvu.edu, contact WVU Career Services at careerservices@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-2221, or find the CPDC in Room 374 of the Mineral Resources Building.

Find the CPDC in Room 374 of the Mineral Resources Building or online at CPDC website.

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